Bahamian Rhapsody PDF Download

This is My Life: A Bahamian Rhapsody, by Errol "Duke" Strachan, encapsulates the intriguing story of one man, his family, his music, and his accomplishments woven together in the beautiful islands of The Bahamas from the 1930s onward. The memories outlined in this book will take readers to a time in early Bahamian history, in the life of a boy with a disability who grew up poor with a single mother and 12 siblings to overcome the odds of failure. These true life events create a picture of a time not so long ago for some, when deep in a colonial era, life, though not without its challenges, was lived with simplicity, creativity, and harmony. In this book, Errol "Duke" Strachan recalls when: The Bahamas' currency was still using the British system of pounds, shillings and pence, Travel throughout the islands by a motorless mailboat was a long but free journey Homes were lit with makeshift lanterns Houses were propped up above the ground with crawl spaces beneath, and made, in many cases, to be moveable Windows had no glass or screens and doors had no locks You trekked to the nearest government water pump, and Food was cooked on an open flame in the yard. Errol Strachan grew up in a time when children left school at the age of thirteen, with some even being married and starting their families. Duke as he became known during his singing and entertainment career, shares his journey from multiple job pursuits to finally landing in the heart of his passion-sharing music. From longing to sing on the Bahamian stage to singing with life-long friends and local greats like his cousin King Eric Gibson and many more. He did it in the prime of his life. Though no longer performing or traveling with his band, Duke Errol and the Lords, or recording his greatest hits, at 90, Duke is still actively involved in training a new generation of musicians. Duke has brushed shoulders and entertained Sidney Poitier, Nat King Cole, Isaac Hayes, Patrick Ewing, and more in his home during his taxi-driving days, and still continues today with his lovely bride of 67 years, Dorothea. As you will read in these pages, his life speaks of humility and service toward creating stronger communities that embrace love and laughter through music and kindness. This is My Life: A Bahamian Rhapsody is a story of true grit and tenacity. One that bellows to the faint in heart, not to give up, but to pursue honorable dreams for your life.